RNAS Yeovilton History
Yeovilton was commisioned in 1939 as HMS Heron. During the Second World War it was used as a fighter training school for the FAA (Fleet Air Arm), and as an occasional shore base for disembarked frontline squadrons. Aircraft seen here during World War 2 include the Master, Roc, Sea Gladiator, Sea Hurricane, Spitfire, Fulmar, Martlet, and Firefly.

After the War, Yeovilton expanded considerably when it became shore base for the fleet's all-weather fighters with the Sea Vixen and later the Phantom. In 1972, Yeovilton's involvement with fixed-winged aviation came to a temporary close with the only resident aircraft based here being a number of Commando helicopter squadrons. However in 1979 the first STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) Sea Harrier FRS1 aircraft arrived at Yeovilton together with Sea King Commando helicopters.

The Sea Harrier FRS.1 was replaced by the much improved Sea Harrier FA2 in 1993 which was eventually withdrawn from service in 2006. The Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Air Force then shared the Harrier GR9, which was based at RAF Cottesmore, until all Harrier operations ceased in 2010 after the Strategic Defence and Security Review. The Harrier is to be replaced by the F-35B 'Lightning II' Joint Strike Fighter which will operate from the new Queen Elizabeth class carriers from 2018. The RAF and Fleet Air Arm will share these aircraft which will be based at RAF Marham or deployed on the carriers and operated by Fleet Air Arm & RAF pilots.

Today, RNAS Yeovilton is home to the Lynx HMA.8 (Operational on Frigates and Destroyers), Wildcat HMA.2 , Merlin HC.3 (Royal Marines Commando Support) and the Wildcat AH.1. (Royal Marines Commando Support). In October 2015, the Army's Wildcat AH.1 was merged with Yeovilton's Wildcats so that the 62 UK military Wildcats on order will all operate from RNAS Yeovilton. It is also home to 'A' Flight with the Hawk T.1, 727 Naval Air Squadron with the Tutor T.1, and the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

The Royal Navy Historic Flight (RNHF) was established at RNAS Yeovilton in 1972 and became the home for a number of aircraft that had been donated to the Royal Navy over more than a decade. The RNHF consists of the Fairey Swordfish, Hawker Sea Fury, Sea Hawk, and Chipmunk T.10. More information on the RNHF can be found here.Press Releases 2018:

RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset is home to the Fleet Air Arm's helicopters that deploy aboard the Royal Navy's ships.

There is also a Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton which has a collection of about 60 different historic aircraft as well as the Royal Navy Historic flight.

Yeovilton hosts a popular Air Day in July which attracts about 35,000 visitors, and includes significant UK/Foreign military participation and support from the world's leading aerospace companies.

The flying display includes over five hours of spectacular flying displays with fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters, formation display teams, aerobatics and culminates with the world renowned Commando Assault Finale featuring troops, aircraft and pyrotechnics galore!

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2018:

•07 July - RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2018

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2018:

07 July - RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2018

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2018 will demonstrate the Maritime Capability and Air Power not only from the Royal Navy but also our sister services - the British Army and the Royal Air Force in their centenary year - and our NATO and European allies.

Alongside the magnificent five hour flying display there will also be a huge array of ground attractions, from engineering fairs to the latest defence technology exhibitions, Service displays, trade stalls and arena displays. For the thrill seekers there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy.
Participating aircraft:
(F)=Flying Display, (S)=Static Display

Air Day tickets will be available to order from 12pm Wednesday 1st November 2017 at a discounted 'Early bird' rate with no booking fees for a limited period only.

Arrivals Day (Friday 6th July 2018):

The Arrivals Day on Friday 6 July is your chance to view some of the aircraft that will be taking part in the flying and static displays arriving at RNAS Yeovilton in preparation for Air Day. Rehearsals will include RCAF CF-18 Hornet, Cocarde Marine Formation and FN Rafale Pair. Arrivals will include P-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon, C-17 Globemaster, E-3 Sentry.

Visitors will have access to a dedicated viewing enclosure and the grandstand along the crowdline between 10:30am and 3:30pm.

Entry Time: 10:30am to 11:30am

Tickets are priced at £13 in advance or £10 before 31 January. Places will be limited and tickets are not available to purchase on the day. You can buy tickets here.